Dr. Mahjoub Al-Aouni, a virology specialist, said on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, that the seasonal influenza virus continues to undergo annual genetic changes that directly affect its rate of spread and its ability to infect vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
In a media statement, Dr. Al-Aouni explained that the new strain known as K, which first emerged in Australia in early 2025, has already reached Tunisia after spreading to more than 30 countries worldwide.
While he confirmed that the strain spreads rapidly and has a high transmission rate, he reassured the public that its impact on public health remains limited, noting that it does not cause more severe illness than what has been observed during previous flu seasons.
